Coronary Heart Disease

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ischaemic heart disease, occurs when the articles of the heart become hardened and narrowed due to a buildup of fatty deposits known as plaques. As the plaque increases in size, the insides of the coronary arteries get narrower, resulting in an inability to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles. Over time, this may result in chest pain (angina), and a sudden, complete blockage may lead to a heart attack.

Warning Signs of Coronary Heart Disease

Symptoms may vary among patients, with some experiencing no symptoms, otherwise known as silent ischaemia. You may also experience symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in your neck, jaw, throat, or upper abdomen
• Chest pain (angina)
• Severe chest discomfort that lasts longer than 10–20 minutes
• Heart attack that is caused by a blood clot
• Oedema or swelling of soft tissue

Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease

Your risk of developing coronary heart disease increases based on the number of risk factors your have and how serious they are. Some risk factors include:

• Age: Although CHD may occur at any age, your risk of it increases as you age due to damaged and narrowed arteries.
• Gender: Men are at a greater risk for developing CHD. However, the risk for women increases after menopause. 
• Family History: A family history of heart disease makes you more likely to get CHD.
• Smoking: Smoking has an effect on how your blood flows and clot, which increases your risk of CHD.
• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries to turn hard and stiffen, which can lead to atherosclerosis, which is a risk factor for CHD.
• Amount of sleep: Both having too much or too little sleep increases your risk of developing CHD. 

Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease

If diagnosed, you are first recommended to slow down the progress of coronary artery disease by improving the health of your heart and blood vessels. You can do so through lifestyle changes such as avoiding excessive saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, as well as reducing your salt intake and increasing your consumption of fiber. If you are currently smoking, discuss with your doctor steps you can take to quit smoking altogether.

There are drugs and surgical techniques available to open up narrow coronary arteries. Severe cases of coronary artery disease may require coronary angioplasty or surgery.

Heart Disease: Why It Matters

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease – a term that encompasses all types of heart disease and stroke – is the leading cause of death worldwide. It takes an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, representing 32% of global deaths. Dr. Gerard Leong discusses the ins and outs of heart diseases.

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Understanding Heart Health: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Located in the chest on the left, the heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients.

A healthy heart is essential to good health. In fact, a healthy human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, with an average adult’s heart beating about 60 to 80 times per minute.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a term that houses all conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about heart health, including:

• Importance of Heart Health: Understand the importance of maintaining your heart health.
• Common Heart Disease: Learn about the different types of common heart diseases and their characteristics.
• Key Risk Factors: Explore various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may leave you susceptible to heart disease.
• Ways to Improve Heart Health: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your risk of heart disease.

What is Heart Health?

Heart health is the overall well-being of your cardiovascular system, which consists of your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A healthy heart functions to efficiently pump blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. It is important to maintain good heart health for your overall well-being and longevity.

Importance of Heart Health

• CVDs are a leading cause of death globally, making heart health crucial for overall health.
• Poor heart health can lead to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

• Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, gender, ethnicity, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
• Modifiable Factors:
  • Lifestyle: Diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
  • Health: Pre-existing conditions (i.e., diabetes), obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol

Symptoms of Heart

Disease Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Heart Diseases in Singapore

• Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart disease and happens due to blockages in your coronary arteries.
• Heart Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular.
• Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
• Congenital Heart Disease are heart defects present at birth due to abnormal heart development during pregnancy.
• Heart Failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened or damaged and can't pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.

Improving Heart Health

Here are some helpful ways to improve your heart health: